The French military has completed its withdrawal from Senegal, officially ending decades of permanent troop presence in West Africa. France handed over Camp Geille — its largest base in the region — and an adjacent air facility to the Senegalese government in Dakar on Thursday.
The move follows rising criticism from African leaders, who accused France of maintaining a domineering post-colonial grip on the continent.
“It is part of France’s decision to end permanent military bases in West and Central Africa,” said General Pascal Ianni, head of French forces in Africa. “And responds to the Senegalese authorities’ desire to no longer host permanent foreign forces on their territory.”
The ceremony marked the end of a three-month withdrawal process that began in March. About 350 French soldiers have now fully departed from Senegal, where they had been stationed since independence in 1960 under a bilateral defence cooperation agreement.
New Era for Senegal’s Armed Forces
Senegal’s military chief, General Mbaye Cissé, said the withdrawal aligns with the country’s evolving defence priorities.
“Its primary goal is to affirm the autonomy of the Senegalese armed forces while contributing to peace in the subregion, in Africa, and globally,” Cissé said.
The change reflects a broader shift in Senegal’s foreign policy under President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Last year, Faye called for the withdrawal of all foreign troops from Senegal, citing concerns over national sovereignty.
France 🇫🇷- Senegal 🇸🇳.
— EGYPT FIRST (@EGYPTFIRST79459) July 17, 2025
French army leaves Senegal, ending military presence in West Africa.
France hands back its last two military bases in Senegal, leaving the French army with no permanent camps in West and Central Africa. pic.twitter.com/KmUIJ0xdCS
“Senegal is an independent country, it is a sovereign country and sovereignty does not accommodate the presence of military bases in a sovereign country,” the president said at the time.
He added that Senegal would rather pursue a “renewed partnership” with France, one based on equality and mutual respect.
France’s Military Footprint Shrinks Across Africa
The retreat from Senegal is part of a larger rollback of France’s military footprint in Africa. Paris has already pulled out of Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, and the Ivory Coast, following pressure from local governments and popular uprisings.
In many of these countries, military-led regimes have turned to Russia for arms and training, replacing former partnerships with Paris.
Though France’s role on the continent is far from over, it now seeks to transition toward advisory and training roles. The French military says it will only offer support when requested by host nations.
Today, about 350 French troops remain in Gabon, stationed at a shared facility with the local army. In Ivory Coast, 80 French soldiers continue to work in training and advisory capacities. Djibouti, in East Africa, now hosts France’s only full-scale military base on the continent, with 1,500 troops.
Rate, Like 👍, Comment💬, share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
